BCBA exam pass rates vary dramatically by school, ranging from 0% to 100% depending on the program. Your choice of graduate program has a real impact on your likelihood of passing on the first attempt. Use this data, sourced directly from the BACB’s official 2024 report, to compare programs before you enroll.
You’ve done the research. You know you want your BCBA. Now you’re trying to figure out which program actually prepares students to pass the exam, and which ones don’t.
That’s exactly what this page is for. Below you’ll find BCBA exam pass rates for over 130 graduate programs, pulled directly from the BACB’s most recent annual report (2024 data, updated December 2025). We’ve also added context to help you interpret these numbers and use them effectively in a smart program decision.
How to Read BCBA Pass Rate Data
Before you dive into the list, it helps to know what you’re looking at. The BACB reports pass rates as first-attempt scores for students from each program who sat for the exam in a given year. A few things to keep in mind.
The BACB itself recommends evaluating each program’s pass rate on its own terms, rather than comparing it to an overall average. That’s because a handful of very large programs skew any aggregate figure significantly. What matters is the specific program you’re considering and how its graduates tend to perform.
That said, a rate below 50% is a real signal worth paying attention to. If a program’s graduates are passing at less than half the time on the first attempt, that’s worth asking about directly. On the flip side, programs consistently posting rates above 75–80% are clearly doing something right in terms of exam preparation.
Some programs appear multiple times in the BACB’s report. This happens when a university offers more than one behavior analysis track. Different departments, delivery formats, or degree types can each have separate reporting entries. You’ll notice that schools like Florida Institute of Technology, The Chicago School, and Arizona State University show different rates for different programs.
A 100% rate doesn’t automatically mean a program is the best fit for you. A small cohort of seven students who all pass will show 100%, while a large program graduating 80 students per year with a 90% rate is placing far more certified professionals into the field annually. Cohort size matters, and the BACB doesn’t publish that figure alongside pass rates.
Low pass rates should raise questions, not necessarily eliminate a school from consideration. Reach out to the program directly and ask: What supports do students have for exam prep? What’s the trend over the last few years? Programs are aware of their rates, and many are actively working to improve them.
BCBA Exam Pass Rates by School (2024 Data)
The data below comes from the BACB’s report BCBA Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs (2024), updated December 2025. Pass rates reflect first-time candidates only. Programs with fewer than six first-time candidates in 2024 are not included. An asterisk (*) indicates data represents combined first-time candidates across 2023 and 2024 due to low candidate volume.
| School | Program / Notes | Pass Rate (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 46% |
| Arizona State University | M.S. in ABA, Psychology (on campus) | 75% |
| Arizona State University | Special Education ABA (online) | 49% |
| Assumption University | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid, ABAI Recognized) | 67% |
| Augustana University | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (online) | 63% |
| Ball State University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 53% |
| Bangor University | MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis | 71%* |
| Bay Path University | Applied Behavior Analysis | 79% |
| Baylor University | Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 88% |
| Bowling Green State University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 50% |
| Brock University | MA, MADS, Diploma, ABA Specialization (hybrid) | 79% |
| Cairn University | M.S. in Special Education in ABA (online) | 57% |
| California State University, Los Angeles | M.S. in Counseling, ABA option (on campus, ABAI Accredited) | 53% |
| California State University, Northridge | Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 100% |
| California State University, Sacramento | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 89%* |
| California State University San Marcos | ABA Certificate of Advanced Study (online) | 50% |
| Cambridge College at Bay Path University | Behavior Analyst (hybrid) | 74% |
| Capella University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 44% |
| The Chicago School | M.S. in ABA, Chicago Campus (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 52% |
| The Chicago School | M.S. in ABA, online (ABAI Accredited) | 43% |
| The Chicago School | Applied Behavior Analysis, Texas | 69% |
| The Chicago School | M.S. in ABA, California (hybrid) | 56%* |
| The Chicago School | Post-Master’s Certificate, M.S. in ABA (online) | 32% |
| Clemson University | Center for Behavior Analysis (online) | 56% |
| Daemen University | Applied Behavior Analysis | 66% |
| Daemen University | Behavioral Science and Human Services | 57% |
| Drexel University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 67% |
| East Stroudsburg University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 0%* |
| Eastern Kentucky University | M.S. in General Psychology, ABA Concentration (online) | 74% |
| Eastern Michigan University | Clinical Behavioral M.S. in Psychology (on campus) | 71%* |
| Eastern University | M.A. in Clinical Counseling, ABA concentration (online) | 62% |
| Endicott College | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 55% |
| Felician University | Special Education: ABA and Autism Studies | 20% |
| Fitchburg State University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 44% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | M.S. Programs in ABA, Melbourne Campus (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 100% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | ABA Certificate (online) | 71% |
| Florida International University | M.S. in Psychology, Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 59% |
| Florida State University | M.S. in Psychology, ABA Specialty (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 94% |
| Fresno Pacific University | M.A. in ABA (hybrid) | 0%* |
| George Mason University | Graduate Certificate in ABA / M.S. in Special Education | 54% |
| Georgia State University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 86% |
| Georgian Court University | Applied Behavior Analysis, MA | 50% |
| Griffith University | Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis (online) | 67%* |
| Hunter College | M.S. in ABA (hybrid) | 73% |
| Jacksonville State University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 83%* |
| Johns Hopkins University | Post-Master’s Certificate / M.S. in Special Education: ABA | 63% |
| Kean University | M.A. in Special Education: ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorders | 24% |
| Kent State University | Behavioral Intervention Specialist Certificate (online) | 44% |
| Lindenwood University | Master’s in Behavior Analysis | 56% |
| Lipscomb University | Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 50% |
| Long Island University | M.A. in Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 36% |
| Manhattanville College | MPS in ABA; Advanced Graduate Certificate in ABA (online) | 49% |
| Marian University | Behavior Analysis (online) | 71%* |
| Marquette University | M.S. and Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 100% |
| Mary Baldwin University | M.S. in ABA (online) | 33% |
| McNeese State University | M.A. in Psychology, ABA Concentration (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 100% |
| Michigan School of Psychology | Applied Behavior Analysis Program (on campus) | 71% |
| Michigan State University | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 88% |
| Mississippi State University | Educational Psychology, ABA M.S. | 16% |
| Missouri State University | Behavior Analysis and Therapy (on campus) | 56%* |
| Monash University | Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis | 88% |
| Monmouth University | MSED: Special Education, Autism/ABA (online) | 14% |
| Montana State University Billings | M.S. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis (ABAI Accredited, hybrid) | 56% |
| Mount St. Mary’s University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 18% |
| National Louis University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 67% |
| National University | M.S. in ABA (on campus and online) | 42% |
| National University (formerly Northcentral University) | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 20% |
| Niagara University | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 71% |
| Northeastern University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 76% |
| Northern Arizona University | M.Ed. in Special Education, PBS Emphasis (online) | 17% |
| Northern Illinois University | Special Education (online) | 47% |
| Northern Kentucky University | Concentration in Autism/ABA (online) | 88%* |
| Nova Southeastern University | M.S. with Concentration in ABA (online, program 51064) | 62% |
| Nova Southeastern University | M.S. with Concentration in ABA (online, program 51065) | 55% |
| Nova Southeastern University | M.H.S. in Child Protection, ABA Concentration (online) | 33% |
| Oakland University | Special Education with Concentration in ABA | 20% |
| Ohio State University | M.A. in Educational Studies, ABA (ABAI Accredited, hybrid) | 38%* |
| Old Dominion University | Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program (online) | 14% |
| Ouachita Baptist University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 63% |
| Pennsylvania State University | Special Education | 52% |
| Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg | Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 63% |
| Pennsylvania Western University | Special Education, ABA (online) | 46% |
| Pepperdine University | Applied Behavior Analysis | 48% |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | Certificate of Graduate Study in ABA (online) | 33% |
| Purdue University | M.S.Ed. in ABA, Accelerated Master’s, Certificate (on campus and online) | 82% |
| Purdue University Global | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 63% |
| Purdue University Global | Graduate Certificate in ABA / older M.S. program (online) | 42% |
| Queen’s University Belfast | MScABA and DipABA (online) | 74% |
| Queens College | ABA M.A. and Certificate Programs | 67% |
| Regis College | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, hybrid) | 53% |
| Regis College | Online M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 48% |
| Rider University | M.A. in Applied Psychology: ABA (hybrid) | 43% |
| Rollins College | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABAI Accredited) | 63% |
| Rowan University | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 64% |
| Russell Sage College | Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 46% |
| Rutgers University | Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 63% |
| Saint Joseph’s University | Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (online) | 47% |
| Salve Regina University | M.S. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 86% |
| Sam Houston State University | Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism (hybrid) | 45% |
| San Diego State University | M.A. in Behavior Analysis and Autism (on campus) | 64% |
| Shenandoah University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 14% |
| Simmons University | Behavior Analysis Online | 78% |
| Simmons University | M.S. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 67% |
| Slippery Rock University | M.Ed. in Special Education: ABA Concentration (online) | 18% |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 50% |
| Southern Connecticut State University | 6th Year, Graduate Certificate, and Master’s (on campus) | 57% |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 54% |
| St. Cloud State University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, hybrid) | 88% |
| St. Edwards University | Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 33% |
| St. Edwards University | M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 21% |
| St. Joseph’s University | Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | 43% |
| State University of New York at New Paltz | Behavior Analysis and Interdisciplinary Autism Studies (on campus) | 67% |
| SUNY Empire State University | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 38% |
| Teachers College, Columbia University | M.A. in Teaching Students with Disabilities: ABA (ABAI Accredited) | 76% |
| Temple University | Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 43% |
| Texas A&M University | Online M.Ed./M.S. in Special Education; Graduate Certificate in ABA | 57% |
| Texas State University | Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis | 59% |
| Texas Tech University | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA concentration (online) | 57% |
| Touro University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 24% |
| Trinity Christian College | Behavior Intervention Specialist (hybrid) | 50%* |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 100% |
| University of Arizona | Master’s in Special Education: ABA (online) | 59% |
| University of Arkansas | Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 50% |
| University of British Columbia | M.Ed./M.A. in Autism/Developmental Disabilities (hybrid) | 100% |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | ABA, UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (online) | 53% |
| University of Central Missouri | M.S. in Behavior Analysis (online) | 83%* |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Preparation for Behavior Analyst Certification | 50% |
| University of Cincinnati | Master’s in Foundations in Behavior Analysis (online) | 51% |
| University of Colorado Denver | Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program | 57% |
| University of Dayton | ABA Certificate Program (online) | 80% |
| University of Dayton | Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (MABA, online) | 29% |
| University of Georgia | Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 85% |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Special Education ABA Program, BCBA-Track (online) | 57% |
| University of Houston, Clear Lake | M.A. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 90% |
| University of Houston Victoria | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (online) | 50% |
| University of Kansas | Applied Behavioral Science M.A. (online) | 93% |
| University of Kent | MSc/Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis (online) | 100% |
| University of Kent | MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis (on campus) | 83% |
| University of Louisville | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Concentration | 83% |
| University of Massachusetts Global | ABA Graduate Certificate (online) | 21% |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies (hybrid) | 64% |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 50% |
| University of Memphis | Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 46% |
| University of Miami | Master’s in Psychology, ABA Specialization (on campus) | 91% |
| University of Michigan, Dearborn | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 36% |
| University of Mississippi | M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, ABA Specialization (hybrid) | 17% |
| University of Nebraska | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 50% |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Subplan (on campus) | 73% |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Special Education | 50%* |
| University of New Mexico | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 25% |
| University of North Carolina Charlotte | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 71% |
| University of North Dakota | M.S. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis (online) | 72% |
| University of North Florida | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Concentration | 71% |
| University of North Texas | M.S. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 77% |
| University of North Texas | Graduate Academic Certificate in ABA (online) | 71% |
| University of North Texas | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 69% |
| University of Northern Colorado | Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 53% |
| University of Oklahoma | Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (online) | 33% |
| University of Pittsburgh | Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 100% |
| University of Rochester | Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 78%* |
| University of Saint Joseph | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 70% |
| University of South Carolina | Special Education (hybrid) | 43% |
| University of South Florida | Applied Behavior Analysis M.A. (online) | 83% |
| University of South Florida | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 82% |
| University of South Wales | MSc in Behaviour Analysis and Therapy (on campus) | 100% |
| University of Southern California | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 93% |
| University of Southern Maine | Educational Psychology (online) | 65% |
| University of Tennessee | Special Education (on campus) | 50%* |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | M.S. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 64% |
| University of Texas at Austin | Autism and Developmental Disabilities; ECSE | 70% |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | BCBA Certification Coursework-Only Program (online) | 17% |
| University of Utah | M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis | 73% |
| University of Virginia | Special Education (online) | 100%* |
| University of Washington | M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 74% |
| University of West Florida | Center for Behavior Analysis (online) | 49% |
| University of Wisconsin, Whitewater | ABA Graduate Certificate (online) | 64% |
| Utah State University | M.S. with ABA Coursework (online) | 100% |
| Utah Valley University | M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid) | 77% |
| Vanderbilt University | Special Education (on campus) | 69% |
| Walden University | M.S. in Psychology, ABA Specialization (online) | 23% |
| Wayne State University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (online) | 53% |
| Western Connecticut State University | Applied Behavior Analysis Program (online) | 74% |
| Western Michigan University | M.A. in Behavior Analysis (ABAI Accredited, on campus) | 86% |
| Western New England University | M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 74% |
| Western University | Master of Professional Education in ABA (online) | 76% |
| Whitworth University | Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. (hybrid) | 67% |
| William James College | Applied Behavior Analysis | 71% |
| York College of Pennsylvania | M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis; ABA Certificate (online) | 63% |
| Youngstown State University | Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus) | 75%* |
What These Numbers Don’t Tell You
Pass rate data is valuable, but it’s a starting point, not the whole picture. Here’s what won’t show up in the BACB’s report.
Sample size matters a lot. In 2024, Ball State University had 832 first-time candidates with a 53% pass rate. Arizona State’s online program had 1,259 candidates, with 49% of them. Those figures carrya very different weight than a program with seven students at 100%. The BACB doesn’t publish cohort sizes alongside pass rates in the summary table, so it’s worth asking programs directly.
These are first-attempt rates. Some students pass on a second or third attempt. The data doesn’t capture eventual certification rates, which are higher across the board. If a school shows a lower first-attempt rate, ask about their overall certification rate over time. And if you’re already preparing for the exam, check out our guide to the best study tools for ABA therapy certification for resources that can help regardless of which program you attended.
Programs sometimes have multiple entries. Schools like Florida Institute of Technology and The Chicago School appear several times each, representing different program tracks or delivery formats. If you’re comparing, make sure you’re looking at the right row for the specific program you’d actually be enrolling in.
The BACB recommends evaluating each program individually rather than against an overall benchmark. As they note, the overall pass rate is influenced heavily by a small number of very large programs, which can make aggregate figures misleading. Focus on the specific program you’re considering.
These rates reflect 2024 data, updated December 2025. Programs change. Faculty turnover, curriculum updates, and exam prep support: improve or decline. A school’s 2024 rate is the most recent publicly available snapshot, but asking admissions about the most recent results is always worth doing.
How to Use Pass Rate Data When Choosing a Program
Pass rates are one piece of a bigger puzzle. When you’re weighing ABA master’s programs, here’s how to build a more complete picture.
Start with program eligibility. The BACB is phasing out the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) pathway, which has historically served as Pathway 2 to certification. In the future, enrolling in an ABAI-accredited program puts you on Pathway 1, which is the more direct and future-proof route. A program that isn’t ABAI-accredited or doesn’t meet BACB coursework requirements may not make you eligible to sit for the exam at all. That’s step one, before you look at anything else.
Then look at the pass rate in context. If a program you’re considering has a rate below 50%, ask the admissions or program coordinator directly. What’s driving that number? What exam prep resources do they offer? Has the rate been trending up or down? A program that acknowledges a challenge and actively addresses it is different from one that brushes it off.
Also factor in fieldwork placement support. Your supervised experience hours are critical to passing, not just to meeting eligibility requirements. Programs with strong placement networks tend to produce students who are better prepared on exam day.
Finally, consider where you want to practice. A program in your home state will often have advisors and networks familiar with your state’s licensure requirements, which matters once you have your BCBA certification in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an overall BCBA exam pass rate I can use as a benchmark?
The BACB publishes program-specific pass rates but actually cautions against using a single overall pass rate as a benchmark, because a small number of very large programs have an outsized effect on any aggregate figure. Instead, the BACB recommends evaluating each program’s rate on its own terms, as an indicator of the likelihood that graduates from that specific program will pass on their first attempt.
Why do some schools appear multiple times in the pass rate data?
Some universities offer multiple behavior analysis tracks, each reported separately to the BACB. This includes different degree types, on-campus versus online programs, or programs housed in different departments. If you’re considering a school with multiple entries, make sure you know which specific program you’d be enrolling in and which BACB entry corresponds to it.
Is Walden University’s BCBA pass rate of 23% accurate?
Yes, that figure comes directly from the BACB’s 2024 pass rate report, reflecting 22 first-time candidates. If you’re considering Walden, it’s worth asking the program directly about their current exam prep resources and what support students receive as they approach the exam.
What does a 100% BCBA pass rate mean?
Multiple programs posted 100% in the 2024 data, including California State Northridge, Florida Institute of Technology’s Melbourne campus, Marquette University, McNeese State University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Pittsburgh, and others. That’s an excellent result, but cohort size matters. Always ask how many students were tested before concluding.
The BACB is phasing out the VCS pathway. How does that affect program selection?
The BACB is transitioning away from Pathway 2, which relied on Verified Course Sequences. ABAI-accredited programs (Pathway 1) are becoming the standard route to BCBA eligibility. If you’re enrolling now, prioritizing an ABAI-accredited program is the most straightforward path forward. Check the ABAI website for the current list of accredited programs.
Key Takeaways
- Pass rates range from 0% to 100% across graduate programs in the BACB’s 2024 data. Not all programs prepare students equally.
- A pass rate below 50% is worth questioning. Ask programs directly about exam prep support, cohort size, and recent trends before enrolling.
- Don’t rely on an overall average. The BACB recommends evaluating each program separately because large programs skew aggregate figures.
- The VCS pathway is being phased out. ABAI-accredited programs are the primary route to BCBA certification eligibility going forward.
- Pass rate is one factor among many. ABAI accreditation, fieldwork placement support, faculty credentials, and your state’s licensure pathway all matter when choosing a program.
Ready to find programs that prepare you to pass? Compare ABA master’s programs from ABAI-accredited schools and see which ones might be the right fit for where you want to practice.
